History of Salt Lake City, Part 120

Author: Tullidge, Edward Wheelock
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Salt Lake City, Star printing company
Number of Pages: 1194

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Knowing the intention of Joseph Smith to remove the Mormon people, Senator Douglass and others had given similiar advice to him; and the very fact that such men looked upon the Mormons as quite equal to an establishment of an independent nationality, is most convincing proof that not their wrong-doing, but their empire-founding genius has been, and still is, the cause of the "irre- pressible conflict " between them and the Gentiles.

The advice of Governor Ford, however, was neither sought nor required. Brigham had nearly matured every part of the movement, shaping also the emigration from the British mission; but the Rocky Mountains not California proper, was the place chosen for his people's retreat-Tullidge's Life of Brigham Young.

From this point the history of Brigham Young will be found in the body of the work.

HEBER C. KIMBALL.

Heber Chase Kimball was born June 14th, 1801, in the town of Sheldon, Franklin County, Vermont. His father (Solomon Farnham Kimbalı) and his mother (Anna Spaulding Kimball) were American born, although of English extraction. Up to the age of nineteen his life was about the same as that of the other lads of his day and situation ; a few months of attendance at the common school, and ordinary labor with his father, making up the sum of his opportunities and experiences. At about the age mentioned, however, a change occurred in his father's circumstances which resulted in throwing young Kimball upon his own resources. Being extremely diffident in disposition, and inexperienced in the ways of the world, he suffered many hardships-two or three times nearly per- ishing from hunger. His condition being finally brought to the attention of an older brother, he was offered by him an opportunity to learn the potter's trade, which offer he gladly accepted, remaining in apprenticeship until he was twenty-one years of age, and afterward working for his brother as a journeyman. While with his brother they removed to Mendon, Monroe County, New York, where the latter established another pottery. Although this incident was commonplace in itself, it never- theless brought young Kimball within the circle of those influences that afterward outwrought for him a most wonderful career.

In the Fall of 1823, he was married to Miss Vilate Murray, of Victor, Ontario County, New York, and shortly thereafter purchased his brother's business, and settled down to the quiet prosecu- tion of the same.

While thus employed, it must not be forgotten, he often brought his mind to the consideration of the subject of religion, and was finally persuaded to an expression of faith which led him to join the Baptist Church. Only a few weeks elapsed thereafter, however, when the fame of certain elders of the Church of Latter-day Saints reached his ears, and, being prompted by curiosity, he went to see them at the house of Phineas H. Young, in Victor, when he, to use his own words, " for the first time heard the fulness of the everlasting gospel." Speaking of his subsequent confirmation, he said, "under the ordinances of baptism and laying on of hand", I received the Holy Ghost, as the disciples did in ancient days, which was like a consuming fire; and I was clothed in my right mind, although the people called me crazy. I continued in this way for many months, and it seemed as though my flesh would consume away ; at the same time the Scriptures were unfolded to my mind in such a wonderful manner that it appeared to me at times as if I had formerly been familiar with them."

Being ordained an elder by Joseph Young, he, in company with him and Brigham Young, labored in Genesee, Avon and Lyonstown, where many were baptized and church organizations

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

effected. About this time these three went to Kirtland, Ohio, where for the first time they saw the Prophet, Joseph Smith.

In the Fall of 1833, he removed to Kirtland, being accompanied on the journey by Brigham Young.

Passing over the less noteworthy events which followed, we come at once to the incident which was the determining point in his marked career. Of that event his journal says :

On or about the first day of June, 1837, the Prophet Joseph came to me, while I was seated in the front stand, above the sacrament table, on the Melchisedes side of the Temple, in Kirtland, and whispering to me, said : " Brother Heber, the Spirit of the Lord has whispered to me, let my servant Heber go to England and proclaim my gospel, and open the door of salvation to that nition."

I was then set apart, along with Elder Hyde, who was likewise appointed to that mission, by the laying on of the hands of the Presidency, who agreed that Elders Goodson, Russell, Richards, Fielding and Snider should accompany us. After spending a few days in arranging my affairs and settling my business, on the thirteenth day of June, A. D. 1837, 1 bade adieu to my family and friends, and the town of Kirtland, where the house of the Lord stood, in which I had received my annointing, and had seen such wonderful displays of the power and glory of God.

Having obtained as much money as would pay our passage across the Atlantic, we laid in a stock of provisions, and on the first day of July went on board the ship Garrick, bound for Liverpool, and weighed anchor about 10 o'clock, a. m., and about 4 o'clock, p. m., of the same day, lost sight of my native land. When we first got sight of Liverpool, I went to the side of the vessel and poured out my soul in praise and thanksgiving to God for the prosperous voyage, and for all the mercies which he had vouchsafed to me, and while thus engaged, and while contemplating the scenery which then presented itself, and the circumstances which had brought me thus far, the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me in a powerful manner ; my soul was filled with love and gratitude, and was humbled within me, while I covenanted to dedicate myself to God and to love and serve Him with all my heart. Immediately after we anchored, a small boat came alongside, and several of the passengers, with Brothers Hyde, Richards, Goodson and myself got in and went on shore. When we were within six or seven feet from the pier, I leaped on shore, and for the first time in my life stood on British ground, among strangers whose manners and customs were different from my own. My feel- ings at that time were peculiar, particularly when I realized the object, importance and extent of my mission, and the work to which I had been appointed and in which I was shortly to be engaged.

Having no means, poor and penniless we wandered in the streets of that great city, where wealth and luxury, penury and want abound. The time we were in Liverpool was spent in council and in calling on the Lord for direction, so that we might be led to places where we should be most useful in proclaiming the gospel and in establishing and spreading His kingdom. While thus en- gaged, the Spirit of the Lord, the mighty power of God, was with us, and we felt greatly strength- cned, and a determination to go forward, come life or death, honor or reproach, was manifested by us all. Our trust was in God, who we believed could make us as useful in bringing down the king- dom of Satın as He did the rams' horns in bringing down the walls of Jericho, and in gathering out a number of precious souls who were buried amidst the rubbish of tradition, and who had none to show them the way of truth.

Feeling led by the Spirit of the Lord to go to Preston, a large manufacturing town in Lancashire, we started for that place three days after our arrival in Liverpool. We went by coach and arrived on Saturday afternoon about 4 o'clock. After unloading our trunks, Brother Goodson went in search of a place of lodging, and Brother Fielding went to seek a brother of his, who was a minister, re- siding in that place.

It being the day on which their representatives were chosen, the streets presented a very busy scene ; indeed I never witnessed anything like it before in my life.

On one of the flags, which was just unrolled before us the moment the coach reached its desti- nation, was the following motto: "Truth Will Prevail," which was painted in large gilt letters. 11 being so very seasonable and the sentiment being so appropriate to us in our situation, we were in- voluntarily led to exclaim, "Amen ! So let it be."

Brother Goodson having found a room where we could be accommodated, which belonged to a widow woman situated in Wilford Street, we moved our baggage there. Shortly after, Brother Fielding returned, having found his brother, who requested to have an interview with some of us that evening. Accordingly, Elders Hyde, Goodson and I went and were kindly received by him and Mr. Watson, his brother-in-law, who was present at the time.

HEBER C. KIMBALL.

We gave them a short account of the object of our mission and the great work which the Lord had commenced, and conversed upon those subjects until a late hour. The next morning we were presented with half a crown, which Mr. Fielding's sister had sent us.

It being Sunday, we went to, hear Mr. Fielding preach. After he had finished his discourse, and without being requested by us, he gave out an appointment for some one of us to preach in the afternoon.

It being noised abroad that some elders from America were in town and were going to preach in the afternoon, a large concourse of people assembled to hear us. It falling to my lot to speak, I c illed their attention to the first principles of the gospel, and told them something of the nature of the work which the Lord had commenced on the earth. Brother Hyde afterwards bore testimony to the same, which I believe was received by many with whom I afterwards conversed

Another appointment was given out for us in the evening, at which time Brother Goodson preached and Brother Fielding bore testimony. An appointment was then made for us on Wed- nesday evening at the same place, at which time Elder Hyde preached. A number now being con- vinced of the truth, believed the testimony and began to praise God and rejoice exceedingly that the Lord had again visited His people, and sent His servants to lay before them the doctrine of the gos- pel "and the truth as it is in Jesus."

The Rev. Mr. Fielding, who had kindly invited us to preach in his chapel, knowing that quite a number of his members believed our testimony and that some were wishful to be baptized, shut his doors against us and would suffer us to preach no more in his chapel. For an excuse, he said that we had preached the doctrine of baptism for the remission of sins, contrary to our arrangement with him.

I need scarcely assure my friends that nothing was said to him from which any inference could be drawn that we should suppress the doctrine of baptism. No! we deemed it too important a doc- to lay aside for any privilege we could receive from mortals. Mr. Fielding understood our doctrines even before we came there, having received several communications from his brother Joseph, who wrote to him from Canada, explaining the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We likewise had conversed with him on the subject at our former interview. However, he having been traditioned to believe in infant baptism, and having preached and practiced the same for a number of years, he saw the situation he would be placed in if he obeyed the gospel. Notwith- standing his talents and standing in society, he would have to come into the sheepfold by the door ; and after all his preaching to others, have to baptized himself for the remission of sins by those who were ordained to that power.

These considerations undoubtedly had their weight upon his mind, and caused him to act as he did, and notwithstanding his former kindness he soon became one of our most violent opposers.

An observation which escaped his lips shortly after this circumstance, I shall here mention. Speaking one day respecting the three first sermons which were preached in that place, he said that " Kimball bored the holes, Goodson drove the nails and Hyde clinched them."

However, his congregation did not follow his example; they had for some time been praying for our coming, and had been assured by Mr. Fielding that he could not place more confidence in an angel than he did in the statements ot his brother respecting this people. Consequently, they were in a great measure prepared for the reception of the gospel, probably as much so as Cornelius was anciently. Having now no public place to preach in, we began to preach in private houses, which were opened in every direction, while numbers believed the gospel. After we had been in that place eight days, we began to baptize in the name of the Lord Jesus for the remission of sins. One "reverend " gentieman came and forbid us baptizing any of his members; but we told him that all who were of age and requested baptism we should undoubtedly administer that ordinance to.

One Saturday evening I was appointed by the brethren to baptize a number the next morning in the river Ribble, which runs through that place. By this time, the adversary of souls began to rage, and he felt a determination to destroy us before we had fully established the gospel in that land ; and the next morning I witnessed such a scene of satanic power and influence as I shall never forget while memory lasts.

About day-break, Brother Russell (who was appointed to preach in the market-place that day). who slept in the second story of the house in which we were entertained, came up to the room where Elder Hyde and I were sleeping and called upon us to arise and pray for him, for he was so afflicted with evil spirits that he could not live long unless he should obtain relief.

We immediately arose, laid hands upon him and prayed that the Lord would have mercy on His servant and rebuke the devil. While thus engaged, I was struck with great force by some in-

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

visible power and fell senseless on the floor as if I had been shot; and the first thing that I recol- lected was, that I was supported by Brothers Hyde and Russell, who were beseeching a throne of grace in my behalf. They then laid me on the bed, but my agony was so great that I could not en- dure, and I was obliged to get out, and fell on my knees and began to pray. I then sat on the bed and could distinctly see the evil spirits, who foamed and gnashed their teeth upon us. We gazed upon them about an hour and half, and I shall never forget the horror and malignity depicted on the countenances of those foul spirits, and any attempt to paint the scene which then presented itself, or portray the malice and enmity depicted in their countenances would be vain.

I perspired exceedingly, and my clothes were as wet as if I had been taken out of the river. I felt exquisite pain, and was in the greatest distress for some time. However, I learned by it the power of the adversary, his enmity against the servants of God and got some understanding of the invisible world.

The Lord delivered us from the wrath ot our spiritual enemies and blessed us exceedingly that day, and I had the pleasure (notwithstanding my weakness of body from the shock I had exper- ienced) of baptizing nine individuals and hailing them brethren in the kingdom of God

A circumstance took place while at the water side which I cannot refrain from mentioning, which will show the eagerness and anxiety of some in that land to obey the gospel. Two of the can- didates who were changing their clothes and preparing for baptism at the distance of several rods from the place where I was standing in the water, were so anxious to obey the gospel, that they ran with all their might to the water, each wishing to be baptized first. The younger-George D. Watt -being quicker on foot than the elder, out-ran him, and came first into the water. The circumstance reminded me of Peter and another disciple, who went to see the sepulchre where the Savior was laid : their anxiety was so great to find out whether He was yet there or not that they had a race for it. The ceremony of baptizing being somewhat novel, a large concourse of people assembled on the banks of the river to witness the ceremony. In the afternoon Elder Russell preached in the market place, standing on a pedestal, to a very large congregation, numbers of whom were pricked to the heart

Thus the work of the Lord commenced in that land (notwithstanding the rage of the adversary and his attempt to destroy us)-a work which shall roll forth, not only in that land but upon all the face of the earth, even "in lands and isles unknown."

The next morning we held a council, at which Elders Goodson and Richards were appointed to go to the city of Bedford, there being a good prospect, from the information received, of a church being built up in that city. Elders Russell and Snider were appointed to go to Alston, in Cumber- land, near the borders of Scotland, and Elders Hyde, Fielding and the writer were to remain in Preston and the regions round about.

The next day, the brethren took their departure for the different fields of labor assigned them. As an illustration of his wonderful mission we give the following page from his autobiography :

"There being something interesting in the establishing of the gospel in Downham and Chat- burn, I will relate the circumstances of my visit to those places, and the prospect we had of success prior to our proclaiming the truth to them.

" Having been preaching in the neighborhood of these villages, I felt it my duty to pay them a visit and tell them my mission. I mentioned my desires to several of the brethren, but they endeav- ored to dissuade me from going, informing me that there could be no prospect of success, as several ministers of different denominations had endeavored to raise churches in these places, and had fre- quently preached to them, but to no effect. They had resisted all the efforts and withstood the at- tempts of all sects and parties for thirty years, and the preachers had given them up to the hardness of their hearts. I was also informed that they were very wicked places and the inhabitants were hardened against the gospel.

" However, this did not discourage me in the least, believing that the gospel of Jesus Christ could reach the heart when the gospels of men were found abortive. I consequently told those who tried to dissuade me from going that these were the places I wanted to go to, and that it was my business ' not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.'

"Accordingly I went in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and I soon procured a large barn to preach in, which was crowded to excess. Having taking my stand in the middle of the congre- gition so that all might be able to hear, I commenced my discourse, spoke with great simplicity on the subject of the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the conditions of pardon for a fallen world, and the privileges and blessings of all those who embraced the truth. I likewise said a little on the subject of the resurrection.

HEBER C. KIMBALL.

" My remarks were accompanied by the spirit of the Lord and were received with joy, and those people who were represented as being so hard and obdurate, were melted with tenderness and love, and such a feeling was produced as I never saw before; and the effect seemed to be general.

" I then told them that, being a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, I stood ready at all times to administer the ordinances of the gospel. After I had concluded I felt some one pulling at my coat. I turned around and asked the person what it was he desired. The answer was, ' Please sir, will you baptize me?' 'and me !' 'and me !' exclaimed more than a dozen voices.

" We accordingly went down into the water, and before I left, I baptized twenty-five for the remission of sins-and was thus engaged until four o'clock the next morning.

"Another evening the congregation was so numerous that I had to preach in the open air, and took my stand on a stone wall, and afterwards baptized a number.

" These towns seemed to be affected from one end to the other; parents called their children together, spoke to them of the subjects upon which I had preached, and warned them against swearing and all other evil practices, and instructed them in their duty, etc. Such a scene I pre- sume was never witnessed in this place before ; the hearts of the people appeared to be broken, and the next morning they were all in tears, thinking they should see my face no more. When I left them my feelings were such as I cannot describe. As I walked down the street, followed by num- bers, the doors were crowded by the inmates of the houses, waiting to bid us a last farewell, who could only give vent to their grief in sobs and broken accents.

"While contemplating this scene we were induced to take off our hats, for we felt as if the place was holy ground. The Spirit of the Lord rested down upon us, and I was constrained to bless that whole region of country.

" I cannot refrain from relating a circumstance which took place, while Brother Fielding and I were passing through the village of Chatburn ; having been observed drawing nigh to the town, the news ran from house to house, and immediately on our arrrival, the noise of their looms was hushed, the people flocked to the doors to welcome us, and see us pass. The youth of the place ran to meet us, and took hold of our mantles and then of each other's hands. Several, having hold of hands, went before us, singing the songs of Zion, while their parents gazed upon the scene with delight, poured out their blessings upon our heads, and praised the God of heaven for sending us to unfold the principles of truth and the plan of salvation to them.

"Such a scene, and such gratitude, I never witnessed before. 'Surely,' my heart exclaimed, 'out of the mouths of babes and sucklings, thou has perfected praise !'

" What could have been more pleasing and delightful than such a manifestation of gratitude to Almighty God from those whose hearts were deemed too hard to be penetrated by the gospel, and who had been considered the most wicked and hardened people in that region of country !

"In comparison with the joy I then experienced, the grandeur, pomp and glory of the kingdoms of this world shrank into insignificance and appeared as dross, and all the honor of man, aside from the gospel, to be vain."

In 1840 he took a second mission to England with President Brigham Young, and the majority of his quorum, nine in number, when was performed one of the greatest missionary works since the days of Christ's disciples.

After his return from the British Mission, Heber labored in his apostolic calling chiefly, being but little with his family. At the time of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, he was out, with nearly every member of his quorum, on a mission to the Eastern States. He was the right hand man of Brigham Young in the exodus, and was one of the 143 pioneers. He returned with his chief to Winter Quarters to gather up the body of the Saints, and while there was chosen first counselor of Brigham in the re-organization of the first presidency of the Church. To the end of his eventful life he continued the faithful counselor and friend of his chief, between whom and him- self there had existed for forty-three years, one of those remarkable friendships which authors love to immortalize. The friendship of Damon and Pythias wis not of a stranger type than that of Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, and Heber was as jealous of the love of Brigham as a woman is of the love of her husband. Heber was a very singular, very genuine, and an extraordi- narily earnest man, with a character of so much strength and rugged honesty as to make him one of the most noticeable men in the world. Though born among the humble, it was both physically and metaphysically impossible for him to make other than a strong mark in the world. His personal appearance was powerful and uncommon ; his structure as of iron ; and no one could well forget the man who had seen him once. He was just such a character as one would imagine as a bosom

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

friend of Oliver Cromwell. Heker C. Kimball, after Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, was de- cidedly the greatest character the Mormon Church has brought forth. They are indeed the Mor- mon trinity. He died on the 22d of June, 1868.

The universal esteem in which he was held may be inferred from the following notice of his funeral, by the Daily Telegraph, in its issue of the day succeeding that event :

"Yesterday the last sad offices of affection and friendship were rendered to the mortal remains of our beloved President, Heber Chase Kimball.

"Throughout the city, stores and business houses were closed and ordinary business was sus- pended, out of respect to the memory of the deceased. Draped flags swung to the breeze on the tops of public buildings, stores and private residences. The streets were exceedingly quiet, the few people passing being apparently imbued with the solemnity of the occasion.

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History of Salt Lake City, Part 120

Author: Tullidge, Edward Wheelock Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Salt Lake City, Star printing company Number of Pages: 1194

Author: Tullidge, Edward Wheelock
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Salt Lake City, Star printing company
Number of Pages: 1194